Surgical Technology, AAS

Upon completion of a Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology, a student will be able to:

Science & Technology

• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique.
• Applies electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., using appropriate safety measures.
• Positions and operates equipment needed for the procedure.
• Prepares the patients skin.
• Properly cares for specimens.
• Sponges and suctions the operative site.
• Connects drains and suction apparatus.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medication and solutions needed for procedure.
• Help in draping the sterile field.
• Passes instruments, etc. correctly, to surgeon and assistant during surgery.
• Prepares sterile dressings.
• Assist with preparing room for the next patient.
• Obtains appropriate sterile and unsterile items for the procedure.
• Assesses safety measures of surgical equipment and supplies being utilized in a surgical procedure.
• Positions patient using appropriate equipment and safety measures.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the operation.
• Effective communication skills among all team members in operating room.
• Performs appropriate counts working in both the scrub and circulator role.
• Gowns and gloves the surgeon and assistants.
• Assists other team members with concurrent and terminal cleaning of the room.
• Checks patient chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room.
• Transfers patient to the operating room table.
• Accesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists anesthesia personnel.
• Helps transport patient to the recovery room.
• Holds instruments or retractors as directed by the surgeon.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Follows chain of command when reporting situations in the workplace.

Professionalism and Communication

•  Checks patient chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room.
• Transfers patient to the operating room table.
• Accesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists anesthesia personnel.
• Performs appropriate counts with the scrub person in circulating role.
• Helps transport patient to the recovery room.
• Holds instruments or retractors as directed by the surgeon.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Local, regional and national workshops.
• Changing technology and new procedures necessitate this process.